A spate of actioners later, Sidharth Malhotra is in the mood to explore romance again with his next, tentatively titled Param Sundari. We’ve heard the actor began shooting Tushar Jalota’s directorial venture in Nerul earlier this week. The first schedule will run for the next two weeks, with leading lady Janhvi Kapoor joining the shoot in early January.

Earlier, mid-day had reported that the love story sees Malhotra essay the role of a suave business tycoon hailing from Delhi to Kapoor’s free-spirited artist from Kerala (When north meets south, Oct 27). Sources tell us that in the ongoing leg, the director intends to shoot key scenes depicting the male lead’s emotional journey.

An insider reveals, “The Nerul shoot is crucial for setting up the protagonist’s backstory. Kharghar and Nerul will be the unit’s locations for the next few days, as Tushar cans emotional scenes featuring Sidharth. After Janhvi reports to the set in January, they will film the pair’s romantic sequences. Following the Mumbai stint, the director has lined up extensive schedules in Kerala and Delhi.”

The source adds that the rom-com, which marks the actors’ first collaboration, is part of a larger on-screen universe being developed by producer Dinesh Vijan, outside of his horror comedy universe.

Sonu Sood is the gift that keeps on giving. After taking the initiative to rehabilitate migrant workers and residents of calamity-stricken areas, sponsoring education for underprivileged children, and empowering women with essential tools to lead productive lives through The Sood Foundation, the actor-philanthropist has taken up another worthy cause. He is building a home for senior citizens and honouring his mother, Saroj, by calling it Saroj Serenity. Aiming to provide a comfortable environment for the elderly, he says that it is a reflection of the values his mother instilled in him. The first home will be built in Nerul, in Maharashtra, and then in other states.

“This project is more than just a building. We will take care of all those parents whose kids are not there to take care of them. My mom used to always tell me that when people grow old, they feel very lonely. And I should do something to support them so they don’t feel lost, alone, or helpless. I have already started Saroj Serenity in Nerul, which will roll out in one and a half years. The homes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab are in the planning stages,” says Sood, adding that the home will have the best of facilities.

Sood informs that the old age home will have a clubhouse, beautiful paths to walk, and a recreational centre. “It is for those older people whose children are unable to take care of them or are abandoned. It will have gardens, open spaces, and recreational facilities. It will be affordable and free for needy people. The homes will be self-sustainable models,” explains the actor, who is personally taking care of every little detail about the facility’s infrastructure, including the designs and ambience.